The Oral History Intern for Community Engagement

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oral History Intern for Community Engagement and DCL at Duke plays a vital role in helping document, preserve, and share the stories of Durham’s communities. This work contributes to a more inclusive and representative historical record, with a focus on African American history and cultural heritage. As part of the Rubenstein Library’s Community Engagement program and in collaboration with DCL at Duke, you’ll engage in community-centered archival work that connects oral history, public history, and preservation. You’ll help ensure that community voices are not only collected, but thoughtfully processed and made accessible for future generations.

Requirements

Current enrollment or recent graduation from a master’s program in archival studies, public history, library/information science, or a related field.
Interest in oral history, Black history, cultural heritage preservation, and community archives.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Advanced organizational, project and time-management skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Commitment to inclusive practices and respectful representation of community voices.

Nice To Haves

Experience with transcription, metadata, or digital tools, or coursework in archival description or oral history methods.

Responsibilities

Report to and assist the Community Engagement Coordinator with multi-institutional collaborative oral history projects.
Support oral history and community-based archival projects in collaboration with campus and external partner organizations.
Review and edit oral history transcripts for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
Assist in creating and refining descriptive metadata to support discovery and long-term access.
Help organize and manage digital files and project documentation using shared tools (e.g., spreadsheets, databases).
Enhance public access and discoverability of oral history projects by contributing to digital storytelling efforts—such as project webpages, blog posts, and other creative initiatives—to promote and activate community stories.
Regularly work in the Rubenstein Reading Room on the circulation desk.
May work occasional evenings.
Routinely move library materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of community-engaged archival work.